Ghana military investigates soldiers in bed with illegal galamsey operators
- The Armed forces is investigating soldiers involving in illegal mining activities
- About five Chinese miners have been arrested
- Galamsey activities remains a challenge for government
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Ghana Armed forces has launched a full scale investigations into allegations of involvement of its personnel in illegal mining activities.
This follows a JOYNEWS story on the activities of a mining company inside a forest near the Ashanti Region town of Tontokrom that showed soldiers on site providing protection for the concession.
A raid by an anti-galamsey task force was cut short when the soldiers allegedly stopped the arrest of seven Chinese miners found on the concession. A large area in the middle of the forest had been cleared and large trenches dug.
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Source: UGC
The military in a statement says the allegations are being investigated and those found culpable will be punished.
Five Chinese Nationals have been arrested in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti region for alleged engagement in illegal mining activities.
The sustainable environment taskforce at the Ministry of Environment also seized five excavators in its move to save areas degraded by illegal mining.
A swoop on the area revealed huge destruction to forest resources and in some cases public property by illegal miners.
Meanwhile, Convener of the Third World Network, Dr. Yaw Graham has made a call on government to prioritize bettering the livelihood of mining communities.
Speaking at the National Conference on artisanal and small- scale gold and salt mining, Dr. Graham together with some shareholders in the mining sector made explained ho investing in these underprivileged mining companies could indirectly expand the sector.
He argued that government’s fight against illegal mining can’t be won should the poor livelihood of communities engaged in the act are not improved upon.
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National Project Coordinator, for the Multi-Sectoral Mining Integrated Project (MMIP) of the ministry of lands and natural resources, Dr. Isaac Kakari, has outlined some measures government is taking to address this situation. He says 3 million dollars of a World Bank facility under the Multi-Sectoral Mining Integrated Project for alternative livelihood programs for mining communities.
The national conference on artisanal and small- scale gold and salt mining placed a spotlight on the role and place of artisanal gold and salt mining, looking at the policies that govern the sector and the practices in and challenges facing ASM producers in the two sub sectors.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
